1. HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR MP Hon Rob Knowles President Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Inc

2. Responsibilities of Government Federal Government : Taxation Medical Benefits Scheme [GPs] Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Social Security Employment Services Private Health Insurance National Health and Medical Research Council

3. Responsibilities of Government State Government: Public Hospitals Mental Health Services Public Housing Professional Registration Boards Local Government: Home and Community Care Rates and Planning Issues

4. Parliament: Your Representatives e.g. Australian: comprising Senate 12 Senators House of Representatives 1 Member Victorian: comprising Legislative Council 2 MLC Legislative Assembly 1 MP Municipality at least 1 Councillor

5. How do we contact them? Each MP has an Electorate office, Staff and Telephone Councillors can be contacted through the local Municipal Office You can write, telephone, or visit generally through an appointment

6. How do we address them? Verbal: Mr, Ms, Mrs, Senator Councillor Written: Ministers The Hon John Smith MP Minister for Health Senator the Hon Mary Smith Minister for Health

7. How do we address them? contd Letter addressed Dear Minister, MPs Mr John Smith MP The Hon John Smith MP Dear Mr Smith

8. Content Remember: MPs are there to represent your interests to the Minister, the Government and/or the Department Do not assume they know about or understand mental illnesses Personalise your letter Be clear what it is you want them to do Request a response

9. Content contd Follow up if no reply or reply unsatisfactory If outcome is good write a note of thanks Write to local newspaper but make sure it is localised Seek to engage others, friends, neighbours, fellow workers, etc

10. The wider campaign Parliamentary Friends of Schizophrenia MIFAs Strategy Lobby Ministers and Shadow Ministers Use talkback radio, daily papers etc Copy your letters and replies to the non-govt organisation representing your interest for improvements in mental health

11. Conclusion Your effort does make a difference and it is a worthy cause. Other consumers and their families are depending on you!